Why Do I Need A Folding Shovel?
Well, that’s a good question. You may not have thought you needed a folding shovel, but once you start looking into the uses around camp and also in survival situations, it can be a great tool to have around. The compact size of modern folding shovels makes them easy to pack and carry along with you or store in a vehicle.
Below we will take a look at Best Folding Shovels For Bushcraft and camping and go over what makes them great items of kit
In a Hurry? – Here’s Our Top Pick
- 【10-in-one Multifunctional Shovel】 Shoveling, hoeing,…
- 【Ideal Camping Shovel for Outdoor Activities】A must-have for…
- 【Compact and Portable Folding Shovel】Screw-type removable…
- 【Sturdy and Comfortable Military Shovel】Made of 420 alloy…
- 【Adjustable and Detachable Survival Shovel】With it’s special…
Last update on 2024-07-27 at 10:17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Last update on 2024-07-27 at 10:17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- 【10-in-one Multifunctional Shovel】 Shoveling, hoeing,…
- 【Ideal Camping Shovel for Outdoor Activities】A must-have for…
- 【Compact and Portable Folding Shovel】Screw-type removable…
- 【Sturdy and Comfortable Military Shovel】Made of 420 alloy…
- 【Adjustable and Detachable Survival Shovel】With it’s special…
- OCCASIONS:Ideal for…
- MULTI-FUNCTIONAL:Digging,sawing,cutting,hammering,shoveling.Can…
- PORTABLE:Folds,small size,foldable with a carrying pouch.Head…
- PREMIUM MATERIAL:50# High-Carbon steel body and comfortable…
- MONEY BACK GUARANTEE: REDCAMP offers a 365-day full manufacturer…
- MULTI-FUNCTIONS: Can be used as a shovel / pickaxe / hoe / saw /…
- STRONG & DURABLE: Our shovel is crafted from high-quality…
- ERGONOMIC DESIGN: Soft rubberized anti-slip grip handle and…
- COMPACT & PORTABLE: About 41.5cm/16.34” long when unfolded,…
- EMERGENCY TOOL: A helpful tool to dig your car or truck tires out…
- Multifunctional 3-in-1 tool, folding shovel, dibble pick and saw….
- Mini size, easy to fold and easy to carry.Send a carrying pouch.
- Perfect for camping, hiking, trekking, gardening and digging.You…
- Made of solid tempered steel, durable and firm.The comfortable…
- Product including:1 * Folding Shovel,1 * Carry Bag.
Last update on 2024-07-27 at 02:37 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Uses For A Folding Shovel When Camping
- Poop, everyone has to go at some point, and when your time comes, you will need a shovel, tho usually dealt with using a backpacking trowel. If you are packing the shovel for other jobs around camp, you can leave the trowel at home, saving weight and space.
- Digging fire pits. In some situations, it is not always practical to light a fire straight on the bare ground, so being able to dig a fire pit or clear away the top layer of soil can be a huge advantage and is also great to leave no trace as you can put the fresh dirt back over your fire pit. ( remember to put it out correctly first!)
- Clearing ground to pitch a tent, A folding shovel can save you a lot of time if you need to clear a pitch before putting up your tent; also great for clearing away snow.
- Foraging for edible plant roots, a good shovel beats digging with a pointy stick!
- It can be used to cook on, forgot your pan no problem. Simply lay your shovel on the embers of the fire, and away you go! (beware of burning off any coatings your shovel may have on it)
- Getting a vehicle out of snow or mud, clearing away some sloppy mud can make all the difference when trying to get your stuck vehicle out of a rut or even clearing snow.
- Propping up a tarp, not ideal but can get you out of a jam if needs be.
- A folding shovel can be used as a paddle for a canoe, if you have lost or broken your paddle while on your travels, a folding shovel can be a get-out-of-jail card to get you home.
- A folding shovel is a great survival tool. In a survival situation, you make the best of what you have to hand, and a folding shovel is a great thing to have to hand when you think of the uses you can come up with for it in any given situation.
- This list is endless.
What To Look For When Picking A Camping Shovel
Everyone’s needs from a folding shovel will vary; for example, if you intend to use it from a vehicle, then weight may not be something you will be concerned about, but if you have it to carry in your backpack, you may be looking for a more lightweight portable option. Below I will go over some points to consider when picking the right folding bushcraft & camping shovel for your requirements.
- Weight, This is usually high on everyone’s list of important factors when picking an item of kit as nine times out of ten we have got it to carry, so saving a few grams here and a few there is never a bad thing, then a lightweight folding shovel could be just what you are after
- Size, Again, this is also an important thing to take into account depending on how and where you plan to pack your folding shovel will play a big part in deciding which one you choose to buy. Do you plan to include the shovel inside your backpack, or are you going to strap it on the side of your pack? will it stay in your car until it’s needed?
- Build Quality, as with most things in life, you get what you pay for, so I’m all for buying quality kit that works and will last. A military folding shovel is usually almost indestructible. Tho can often be a little heavier.
- Cost, Cost can play a big part in your buying decisions. If you plan to use your shovel heavily, buy the best you can afford. That way, you should get a quality product that will last and stand up to heavy use.
- Aesthetics, Are you into the tactical look? Or do you prefer a good old nato green military folding shovel? or do you not care as long as it works?. Whatever your choice is here, for me, aesthetics should come last in the list as form does not come before function for me.
I would say when choosing your folding shovel, try not to let one thing sway you too much, try to find the right balance of the above, and you should do just fine.
Camping Shovel Faq
Can a Camping Shovel Be Used as an Axe?
Yes, tho it is not intended as a direct replacement for a camping/bushcraft axe. Many modern tactical style folding shovels are multi-function tools that often have a sharpened edge on the side of the shovel head to act as an axe. Some shovels have multiple different tools built in, including a saw, axe, hammer, bottle opener, ETC.
Should I Keep a Folding Shovel in My Car?
Yes!, Even if you are not into bug-out vehicle camping, it’s not a bad idea to have some sort of emergency survival kit in your car at all times.
Can Folding Shovels Be Used for Snow?
Yes, any shovel can be used for snow. Some of the tactical-style folding shovels have a smaller shovelhead, so maybe a little less efficient but will still do the job fine. For snow, I would recommend a larger three-piece folding shovel.
Can a Folding Shovel Fit in a Backpack?
Yes, most folding shovels will fit in most average size backpacks no problem. If your pack is already full, most shovels come with a carry pouch that could be strapped to the side of your backpack.
